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Thursday, December 26, 2013

First of all, let me wish all of you a Happy Holiday season, a great Christmas, and a very joyous and prosperous New Year.

It's coming!

Serving suggestion: ColdLeft for dead, John Logan awakens to find his home destroyed, his lover Teri at death’s door, his best friend Killian…gone.Injured and alone, Logan must venture into the dark underworld of greed, treachery, and human trafficking. Fighting to protect the life of an innocent witness, desperate to uncover the truth about the man behind the bombing, his enemy has everything—limitless power and money.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A woman who sits beside me in my church choir remarked to me tonight that she's enjoying Survivor's Affair.
"You spin a good yarn," she says. "I'm liking it except for the language. I was thinking that doesn't sound like the person that I know."

I took it as a compliment.

If you've read any of my books you know that the first one--Survivor's Affair--has the most explicit language of all of my books. Subsequent novels have the occasional hell or damn or even an ass now and then but that's about it. Even so, those who know me well, know that I don't use foul language in my personal life. At least I try not to.

But Survivor's Affair--and all the Logan novels for that matter--aren't narrated by Rick Nichols. They're narrated by John Logan. Logan is a former Green Beret and spy. He's not a churchgoing person and has friends who are not either. And there comes a time when you have to find that fine line between upholding your morals and being true to your characters.

Once Survivor's Affair was printed and did well and I got a lot of feedback on it, I made a conscious decision along with my publisher, to tone the language down to a more PG or PG-13 tone. It isn't necessary for the Logan series to have a lot of it, as Logan is an educated man and he's always struck me as being the kind of man who doesn't use a lot of profanity anyway. I knew I was risking certain aspects of my characters and this is from a guy who cringes at those movies that are edited for TV and the mob hitman's language has been dubbed so he says "you sonofabrute" or "What the fruit is going on?" Sorry, but it sounds silly, doesn't it? Perhaps it could have written different to avoid the dialogue in the first place but a mob assassin isn't going to have nice language. But I think a little goes a long way. Same goes for sex, too. I've never felt the need to have explicit sex because I've never felt that writing such a scene would add anything to the book. It's enough to hint that Logan and Teri have a healthy and active sex life without going into the details, although you might be surprised at the number of women who've asked me to write some juicy scenes. I've read books that are great thriller reads that have lots of sex and, quite frankly, you could edit those parts out and it would still be a great read.

It is a fine line that I walk in writing my characters to try and not have the writing cross certain boundaries that I've set for myself. Sometimes I do a better job than other times, although I've never had a fan write me and say they didn't like my books because there were too few cuss words in it. I'm sure they can find other flaws.

On another note, COLD DISH is completed in its edit and has been sent off to the publisher. I will let you know the release date when I find out (and I haven't yet.)

As always, thanks for your support. Spread the word to your fellow readers and feel free to drop me a line. I love hearing from you. Blessings to you and your loved ones during the Holiday season! R

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

COLD DISH, the sequel to INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT, is off to the editors to face the wrath of the red pen! It's been a wild ride for me to get this one done but don't fear, Logan will be back. I'm already at work on the next novel in the Logan saga.

Publisher is hard at work designing the cover and I'll show it to you as soon as it's finalized.

Remember, gang, you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or email me and say hi. Check out the CONTACT ME tab!

Friday, October 18, 2013

I've just completed the first revision of the manuscript for COLD DISH and I'm quite pleased with it. Some books are more work than others and COLD DISH ranks right up there as probably the toughest Logan novel I've done yet. Still, I've had a blast doing it.

As for the release date, that's still VERY tentative. We're shooting for December or January but there's still the normal process of editing and fine tuning the manuscript, creating the cover, etc.

Also, I've just started working on the next project, the first step of which is deciding what that project will be. I'm narrowing it down to a couple of ideas.

On a personal note, I took the day off from my day job to play golf with one of my regular golfing buddies but those plans got thwarted. Again. Twice this week. Sometimes it's just not in the cards, dear Readers, and you have to accept it and bend like the willow.

Again, if you want to keep up with my life, I'm on Facebook and Twitter. Click on the CONTACT ME tab at the home page to get there! I'd love to have you on board!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Yes, in case you were wondering, I'm back from vacation. Played golf on my first non-Florida course and to say the least, it was interesting. It's nice to go, but always nice to get back.

Getting some rave feedback for INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT! Some of the responses I've gotten include "Wow!" "Awesome!" and "When is the next one coming out?"

Cold Dish is planned for a December release, gang, but in all fairness, I'm still working on it but I hope to have it ready (hence the main reason for my absence from here).

Monday will be my birthday; my daughter is in town to make sure her dad is stuffed tonight before she goes back to begin a new year at pharmacy school. It's a rainy weekend here in Florida and probably not a good opportunity to play some golf but I will survive. I have an upcoming interview with Tommy Hancock's podcast soon and will let you know when it'll be available.

Again, a reminder to join me on Facebook or Twitter (RickNichols3). Feel free to drop me a line.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hey there, gang....I know, I know...it's been too long since I visited you and said hi. Just wanted to tell you that INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT is out and I'm working on the sequel called COLD DISH. Be prepared, though...COLD DISH will allow you to read Logan like never before. It's still in the writing stage, but I'm excited about it!

I'm heading off to a family reunion the last part of July so I may be silent for a while but don't worry: I'm still writing and plan on getting some writing and golf done on my little vacation.

I have been informed that Amazon might tell you that they are temporarily out of stock on the paperback; In spite of the notice, I've been assured that you will receive a copy in a timely fashion. Thanks again for your patience and support. I hope you enjoy Logan's latest case!

When a beautiful exotic dancer arranges a meeting with Logan he is all too willing to help. But before the meeting, she ends up dead and Logan is left with more questions than answers. Who was she and why was she so afraid for her life? The investigation will bring Logan into a before unknown seedy and dangerous part of Coral Bay and pit him against a ruthless tycoon, a shady investment banker, and perhaps even against one of Logan's oldest and dearest friends.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sometimes in the writing business, you have to make some tough decisions and I've decided that I need to make one in consideration of you, the reader.

INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT will be postponed until June. The reason is simple: I do not feel the book is ready.

Even after a book is written there is an extensive process by which the manuscript is read, rewritten, edited, and even rewritten again if needed. Due to issues outside of my control in the editing process, deadlines were missed and the editing process was not done in accordance with my standards that I have set for my work. After consultation with my publisher, who agrees with me, the book will undergo another round of editing and proofing in order that the book will not only meet my expectations but hopefully yours as well.

Preliminary findings from my publisher says that INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT is the best Logan book so far and I want to make sure it lives up to that. I don't want to slap my name on something half-baked merely to meet a deadline and neither does Seven Realms, my publisher.

So I must ask--no beg--patience from you, Dear Readers. I thank you for your loyalty and kind words to me over these past few years. I know that when it's ready, you will enjoy the latest Logan saga!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Into the Magic Night is the fourth John Logan thriller and I am very excited about it!

When a beautiful exotic dancer arranges a meeting with Logan he is all too willing to help. But before the meeting, she ends up dead and Logan is left with more questions than answers. Who was she and why was she so afraid for her life? The investigation will bring Logan into a before unknown seedy and dangerous part of Coral Bay and pit him against a ruthless tycoon, a shady investment banker, and perhaps even against one of Logan's oldest and dearest friends.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

One of the worst things that can happen to a writer is the symptom known as writer's block. When the words or ideas simply won't come. I've had it before and it's never fun. On the other hand you can have the opposite--when the ideas won't stop coming. As I've mentioned, I have finished the first draft of a Logan novel, working on scoping out plots for the III Eastlander story, and sketching an idea or two about a Jake Ross novel. I've also gotten an idea for a crime story that takes place in a fictional town in my homestate of West Virginia. When it rains, it can pour.

I kept the prices as low as I could for as long as I could but the Eastlander Chronicles novellas available on Amazon have gone back up to 1.99. I'm going to try to get another sale going after III is published. Of course I have to finish the blasted thing first.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Super Bowl: Very torn about the game. Being a Steelers fan I am required to HATE the Ravens (that's in the contract when you sign on to root for the Black and Gold). At the same time, if the Niners had won it would have tied them with the Steelers for 6 trophies. I couldn't have that, no way. So with a big catch in my throat, I was glad to see the Ravens pull it off. If nothing else, Ray Lewis got to go out on a high note.

Books: INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT, the latest Logan book, will be out about April. Publisher hasn't gotten anything definitive yet, but I'll keep you updated on this blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

First draft of COLD DISH, the next Logan novel and sequel to INTO THE MAGIC NIGHT has been completed. It will be out in 2014.

I'm also doing some outlining for Part III of the EASTLANDER CHRONICLES, as well as a new story featuring Jake Ross.

On a more personal level, I continue working on my golf game (and there's plenty of work to do) and do my day job and try to be the best husband and dad and friend, etc that I can be. Like everyone, I go through good days and bad...sometimes money is plenty and sometimes it's not and you just go day to day and take it one day at a time. I thank God for my blessings--my family and my friends, especially. But most of all, I am thankful for you--the fans, those who spend your money to buy my stuff and who take the time to email me and friend me on FB and who follow me on Twitter (RickNichols3) and who let me know how much you enjoy my books. It really does mean a lot to me.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

I get asked this question at times and I suppose most every writer gets asked this question sometime during their career. So let me answer it as best as I can.

I didn't choose to write what I write. The private eye murder thrillers with hot women and blazing guns and a protagonist whose martial arts skills are as deadly as his gun...or the fantasy stories with a lone warrior wielding a black blade...

No, I didn't choose to write those particular genres. The genres chose me, I guess. I write them because that is what is inside me...the same reason that Clancy writes the military thrillers, Stevie King has his monsters, and Patterson cranks out Alex Cross books. We write what is inside us, those characters screaming to be heard, the worlds pleading to be let out and unfolded before your eyes like a magical tapestry.

I write about John Logan and his adventures in Coral Bay because he appeared in my head in college and refused to let me go. Cain, the Eastlander Blademaster, was born at my dining room table one afternoon in 1988 and has hung around waiting for me to get him out on paper. He is thankful that I eventually did although he's a little miffed that I waited so long.

Someone is always asking me if I'm going to write the next vampire thriller or the next Fifty Shades or even a memoir detailing my childhood and memories of my father.

Nope. No intention of doing it. Oh, I'd like to. I wouldn't mind selling 60 million ebooks as Fifty Shades has done (although for the life of me I can't figure out why it has) or get paid lots of money to have my book made into a movie or cable series (i.e. Snookey Stackhouse, or Twilight).

For me to attempt to write those genres would be a waste of my time writing it and your time reading it. Very few writers write well in multiple genres (Asimov, the damn genius being one of the rare exceptions). Parker wrote some westerns but they had rich overtones of Spenser and Hawk in them, just the change of setting from Boston to the Old West. My writing tends to be stripped down, hard-boiled, but good heavens that's what I loved growing up. My days of reading Pendelton's Executioner novels and Chandler taking me alongside Marlowe, that was heaven to me. Just like seeing a grade B horror movies was to Mr. King.

We write what we like and what turns us on. If you want to make it as a writer, write what you love. I may never sell 30 million copies but that's okay. First off, I never have written for the money and still don't. Secondly, I would rather write what is inside me and never sell anything than to whore my writing out to do a project that wouldn't be up to par in my eyes.

Sorry, got to go. More excitement, villains, and mayhem await in Coral Bay.